Somebody's Image were an Australian pop and R&B band formed in 1966, which included Russell Morris on lead vocals. Their highest charting single is a cover version of Joe South's "Hush", which peaked at number 14 on the Go-Set National Top 40. Morris left in 1968 to start his solo career and the group disbanded in the following year.
Somebody's Image | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Pop rock, rock, R&B |
| Years active | 1966–1969 |
| Labels | In/W&G, EMI |
| Past members |
|
History
editSomebody's Image formed in Melbourne in 1966 as a pop and R&B band by Les Allan a.k.a. Les Gough on bass guitar, Eric Cairns on drums, Russell Morris on lead vocals, Phillip Raphael on lead guitar and Kevin Thomas on rhythm guitar.[1] The fledgling band were hanging around gigs by the Groop, who were a favourite of Melbourne pop fans during that year. They played their first live gig supporting the Groop with keyboardist Brian Cadd and lead singer Ronnie Charles. Somebody's Image developed a following at Melbourne's venues and were noticed by Go-Set staff writer Ian "Molly" Meldrum, who had championed the Groop relentlessly in his columns. Meldrum took over as their talent manager. Charles would occasionally provide vocals for the new group.
Somebody's Image began their recording career with the single "Heat Wave" (September 1967) a cover version of Martha and the Vandellas' song, but it failed to chart.[1] Their second single was their rendition of Joe South's "Hush" which peaked at No. 14 on Go-Set National Top 40.[2][3] Both these singles were produced by Meldrum for W&G Records' label In Records.[1] With Meldrum's support they secured a recording deal with EMI Records. The band issued their third single, "Hide and Seek" in April 1968, which peaked at number No. 32.[4][5] Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane declared "despite its moderate chart placing, it was the band's best release."[1] In September 1968 Morris left the band to pursue a solo career with Meldrum as his manager.[1] The rest of the group recruited new singer, guitarist Brian Holloway (ex-the Dream), but Somebody's Image disbanded in 1969.[6]
Members
edit- Les Allan a.k.a. Les Gough – bass guitar
- Eric Cairns – drums
- Russell Morris – lead vocals
- Phillip Raphael – guitar
- Kevin Thomas – guitar
- Ronnie Charles – occasional vocals
- Brian Holloway – lead vocals, guitar
Discography
editSingles
editAwards and nominations
editGo-Set Pop Poll
editThe Go-Set Pop Poll was coordinated by teen-oriented pop music newspaper, Go-Set and was established in February 1966 and conducted an annual poll during 1966 to 1972 of its readers to determine the most popular personalities.[7]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | themselves | Best Australian Group | 4th |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Encyclopedia entry for 'Russell Morris'". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-072-1. Archived from the original on 12 July 2004. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
- ^ Nimmervoll, Ed (7 February 1968). "National Top 40". Go-Set. Waverley Press. Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via gosetcharts.com.
- ^ "Where did they get that song?". Pop Archives. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
- ^ Nimmervoll, Ed (12 June 1968). "National Top 40". Go-Set. Waverley Press. Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via gosetcharts.com.
- ^ Nimmervoll, Ed. "Russell Morris Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 20 May 2008.
- ^ "MILESAGO: Australasian Music & Popular Culture 1964-1975". www.milesago.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "Australian Music Awards". Ron Jeff. Retrieved 16 December 2010.